Donna Rofe Olkowski

1944 - 2026

Donna Rofe Olkowski was born in Pontiac, Michigan, December 19, 1944 and passed away at 81 years of age in Livonia, Michigan on March 27, 2026. Donna was the beloved wife of Thomas Olkowski and the devoted mother of Joan (Michael Saia) Olkowski. She is survived by her siblings Sylvia (preceded in death, Richard), Annette (preceded in death, Dan), Michael (Viona), and James Rofe; siblings-in-law Sue, Shuyan, Nancy, and Lisa (Dan); as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, including: Gary, Steve (Donna) Olkowski, LeighAnne, Nancy, Kristin (Kurt), Alan (Andrea), Alicia, Julia, Thomas, Marie, Jenelle; and great nieces and nephews, Sean, Andrew (Katlyn), Avery, and Troy.

Donna graduated from the University of Michigan, earning both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in flute and instrumental music. She began her teaching career at Best Middle School from 1967–1981. where she broke barriers for women in band directing. Starting with junior high bands and programs in four elementary schools, she built the program into one of remarkable success, growing it to 220 students in just six years. She also served as director of the Annapolis High School band.

An accomplished and passionate flutist, Donna performed professionally for fifty-seven years with the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra. During her career, she performed six concertos with both the summer orchestra and the symphony. She was also the conductor of the Dearborn Youth Symphony (DYS) Flute Choir for over the last two decades. She studied with Clement Barone of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and with internationally renowned flutists Jean-Pierre Rampal, William Bennett, Marcel Moyse, and James Galway.

Donna also maintained a large and influential private teaching studio, where she taught thousands of flute students over the years. She embraced the Suzuki method of teaching, allowing her to begin instructing students as young as four years old. She frequently organized workshops for her students, bringing master teachers from across the United States and Canada to conduct master classes, lessons, recitals, and concerts. Many of her former students have gone on to become symphony musicians, college professors, recording artists, and band directors throughout the United States. She loved bringing music into their lives and always looked forward to watching them grow beyond the flute studio.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Donna’s greatest joy in life was her wonderful daughter, Joan.

Visitation for Donna will take place at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 22546 Michigan Ave, Dearborn on Monday, March 30th from 3:00–8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 22430 Michigan Ave, Dearborn on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11am with family greeting friends beginning at 10:30 a.m.

In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Donna Olkowski to:

The Dearborn Symphony Orchestra & Dearborn Youth Symphony: https://dearbornsymphony.org/wp/donate-2/
Capuchin Soup Kitchen: https://www.cskdetroit.org/